FAIRFAX – In support of those in need this holiday season, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) set a new record for the annual Foster Kid Gift Drive. On Monday, the FCDC donated holiday gift bags, including gift cards and presents, to the Fairfax County Department of Family Services to distribute to the over 200 foster children and teens aged 10 to 21 living in Fairfax County. An estimated $48,000 in cash contributions, gift cards, and presents were raised from over 300 individual donors across Northern Virginia, marking the largest single donation to the Department of Family Services.

Speaking to the milestone, FCDC Chair Bryan Graham said, “This isn’t about politics; this is about being a good neighbor. We want to help provide some normalcy for these children to show we care. When the time came, Fairfax Democrats answered the call.”

Co-chaired by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and State Senator Barbara Favola, the Foster Kid Gift Drive has ballooned in recent years, thanks in large part to the work of Program Coordinator Stephanie Sedgwick of Herndon.

“I’m excited to hear about our record breaking donations for this year’s gift drive,” said Chairman McKay in response to the news. “When we work together as Democrats, we get great things done. It’s awesome that our Fairfax community is always stepping up to help our vulnerable neighbors and I’m glad that we can make the holidays of our kids in foster care a bit brighter.”

When informed of the record-breaking achievement, Senator Favola remarked, “We live in one of the most diverse and vibrant regions in Virginia, and thanks to the work of the Fairfax Democrats, we came together in record numbers to lift up those who needed our help. I am very proud that the Fairfax Democrats put their values into action and made a significant positive difference in the lives of children and families in Fairfax. Early interventions yield the best outcomes. Thank you, Fairfax Democrats.”

The Foster Kid Gift Drive is an annual program of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, the largest local Democratic organization in Virginia. The Gift Drive’s scope has expanded in recent years to include older teens and children who are often forgotten in other gift drive programs. Cash contributions raised by the program directly support the needs of foster children and teens; from swim lessons and weight sets, to new mattresses and scientific calculators. Go to fairfaxdemocrats.org/gift to sign up for email updates about future ways to support the program.

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